Unlike other health conditions, relief for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms is usually a long road of trial and error to find out what works for your body.
Everyone dealing with IBS is different, and what works for one person may not work for you; some people suffering from IBS often have to employ a variety of strategies to find relief from the symptoms. Always coordinate with your doctor when you want to try something new to get the best advice for if it is safe for you to try.
Easing the symptoms of IBS – Heat
When dealing with an IBS flare up, heat can offer instant relief for the intestinal cramps and spasms that many people with IBS suffer from. When applying heat, you have many soothing options to choose from, but the most popular or heat pads and hot water bottles, with heat pads coming out on top. Heat pads offer a higher heat than you can achieve with hot water bottles and work much faster; however, a hot water bottle is safer to use overnight, whereas a heat pad might not be. Both options are simple to use and can be placed directly on the area of your abdomen that feels the worst; be careful when using heat, though and layer up fabric on your skin to avoid burns. Hot showers or baths are also an effective heat option to use for relaxing the colon and easing abdominal pain and cramps.
Easing the symptoms of IBS – Tea
If you struggle with IBS, drinking herbal teas can help ease a few of your symptoms, and the act of drinking tea can offer help with the stress or anxiety that comes hand in hand with IBS. Many herbal teas are effective for relaxing abdominal muscles and can relieve cramps. Still, many people don’t realise that they also increase fluid intake, which can help your digestive system function better.
When it comes to tea for IBS, there are many options to choose from, and all have different benefits.
- Chamomile
- Fennel
- Ginger
- Anise
- Lavender
- Nettle
- Peppermint
- Turmeric
Easing the symptoms of IBS – Diet Plan
There is no single diet plan for IBS that works for every person, but there are plenty of diets you can try, such as a gluten free diet plan or foods you can avoid under the advisement of your doctor that can help to reduce your symptoms in the long run.
- Bloating or Cramps: Try oats or a tablespoon of linseeds to ease bloating and cramps, but avoid foods that are harder to digest, such as cabbage, broccoli or dried fruits.
- Diarrhoea: cut back on high-fibre foods like brown rice, brown bread, nuts, or seeds, and avoid anything containing sweeteners.
- Constipation: Drink plenty of water and up how much soluble fibre you ingest, such as oats and carrots.
Easing the symptoms of IBS – Weight Loss
Getting moving is an excellent way to reduce your symptoms in the long term, and one of the most popular ways for people suffering from IBS is through body recomposition. If done correctly, this method changes your body to have less fat and more muscle at once.